Surveys and Data Tables

Much of the analysis conducted under the SME Financing Data Initiative is derived from a two-pronged data collection process consisting of baseline surveys and specialized studies. Statistics Canada has the main responsibility for implementing Survey on Financing of Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as Survey of Suppliers of Business Financing. These surveys aim to measure the total value of new and outstanding financing by supplier, instrument, region, industry and size of SME, as well as to shed light on financing practices and patterns of SMEs across Canada.

While these surveys are comprehensive, they may not provide sufficient detail to allow an in-depth understanding of certain niche areas of the SME financing market. In 2000, Industry Canada commissioned a survey of the attitudes, perceptions and expectations of small business owners toward SME financing in Canada. The Survey of SME Needs and Satisfaction is similar in approach and design to the Thompson–Lightstone study commissioned in 1996, 1997 and 1998 by the Canadian Bankers Association.

Survey of Suppliers of Business Financing Updated — 2011-06-06

Survey on Financing of Small and Medium Enterprises Updated — 2009-03-12

Credit Conditions Survey Updated — 2011-10-26

Survey of SME Needs and Satisfaction